Move Me Closer!

“And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, ‘Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will, but Thine be done.’

“Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

And when He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’

“While He was still speaking, behold, a multitude came. The one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’” Luke 22:41-48

“I went through the Gospels again, wondering how Jesus would have answered the direct question, ‘Is life unfair?’ Nowhere did I find Him denying unfairness.

“When Jesus encountered a sick person, he never delivered a lecture about ‘accepting your lot in life’ He healed whoever approached Him. And His scathing words about the rich and powerful of His day show clearly what He thought about social inequities.

“The Son of God reacted to life’s unfairness much like anybody else. When He met a person in pain, He was deeply moved with compassion. When His friend Lazarus died, He wept. When Jesus Himself faced suffering, He recoiled from it, asking three times if there was any other way.”*

If anything, the crucifixion moved us closer to the Father with an intimacy no other faith enjoys!

Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: For Adam R, who just lost his grandfather. For Paul N, who seems to think giving up is easier than the struggle. For Cris, dealing with things no one but the Father understands perfectly: that she will reach out for help.  Jim and Elaine, as they search for a new direction.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Galdor needs the right job, not just a job.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: I may have a new publisher in the USA for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience. Jo has work now to help with those affected by the earthquakes in NZ. My friend’s wedding will proceed.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey